Skin Care Decoded!

There are a few different types of acne treatment options available for those that are seeking help in treating their acne problems. While acne treatment used for teenagers may not work for adult breakouts, it is best to know what are the different types of acne treatment options available for adults.

To begin with, many people usually seek acne treatment from over the counter products as one of the different type of acne treatment option. The most common over the counter (OTC) acne treatments includes salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. These are usually ingredients for skin car products like cleansers, toners, lotions and creams. Try staying away from products marketed toward teenagers as these products may be too dry for adults as teenagers usually have a more oily skin compared to adults. If OTC products fail to clear your acne, seek medical attention from your doctor.

Doctors usually prescribe retinoids as one of the type of acne treatment options for adults. Retinoids help increase cell turnover and slows down the formation of micromedones which are the beginning of a pore blockage. Many may love the fact that retinoids help reduce fine lines and wrinkles but this also makes the skin more sensitive to the sun so you must need to remember wearing a oil free noncomedogenic sun block. Retinoids also causes skin irritation and peeling and if you experience this problem, try using a smaller amount. If problem persists, try using it less frequently instead.

Common retinoids prescribed to adults are such as Differin (adapalene), Retin a (tretinoin) and Avage (tazarotene). For those that has dry or sensitive skin, Renova is another type of acne treatment option that is recommended as it has a more heavier and moisturizing base.

In many cases, adult acne also responds well to a combination of treatment that works by targeting several types of acne causes at the same time. Some of the more popular combination include BenzaClin (a combination between benzoyl peroxide and topical clindamycin), Ziana (a combination between tretinoin and topical clindamycin) and Benzamycin (a combination between benzoyl peroxide and topical erthomycin).

If all else fails with topical treatments, another option of treating adult acne is through oral medication. Isotretinoin (formerly sold as Accutane) is the most widely known and are actually used when the acne is not effectively controlled with other treatments. However, Isotertinoin is specifically used for those with severe acne not to for occasional breakouts. Another different type of oral acne treatment for adult is oral antibiotics. Oral antibiotics is best used for inflamed acne breakouts. They are usually prescribed together with topical treatments and is often used until when acne is under control.

A few other medication options that are only for women are such as oral contraceptives. These are also usually prescribed together with topical acne treatments. Although they are not effective in clearing up serious cases of acne, oral contraceptives are best used for women who faces acne problem around the time of their monthly cycle as they help balance the hormonal fluctuations that effects the acne development. Another women only acne treatment is Spironolactone, an anti androgen drug that blocks androgen receptors in the body. These androgen hormones are found to be closely related to the development of acne. In some cases of women, HRT or hormone replacement therapy helps clear up acne breakouts. Although HRT is not the first choice in treating women who are only having acne problems, this treatment is most often used on post-menopausal women who are also suffering from other effects such as thinning of hair and mood swings.